2022 FIFA World Cup: Qatar and France sign security deal

Flag of Qatar (up) and Flag of France (down) - Getty

On Thursday, Qatar and France signed a World Cup security agreement signed in Doha following a meeting between the country’s respective prime ministers.


According to a statement released after the signing, the agreement, “aims to build a strategic partnership for the preparation of the World Cup in 2022 and the management of the security of the event."

No further details were given.

It was announced after a meeting between Sheikh Abdallah bin Khalifa al-Thani and his French counterpart Edouard Philippe in the Emiri Diwan.

The deal emphasises the close ties between Qatar and France.

France’s sporting ties to Qatar also include owning the French football champions, Paris Saint-Germain, as well as the French being seen as instrumental in helping the World Cup to be hosted in the Middle East for the first time.

Qatar, previously signed an air security agreement for 2022 with the United Kingdom.

Under that deal, signed in April 2018, UK Typhoon fighter jets and a Qatar/British “Joint Operation Squadron” will patrol the skies during the 2022 tournament.
AFP/NewStraitTimes